Pledge of Unity taken on National Unity Day; celebration and preservation of tribal identity and culture emphasized

31 October 2022, Bengaluru: The third National EMRS Cultural Fest organized by The Art of Living and National Education Society for Tribal Students in partnership with Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India and Ministry of Social Welfare Government of Karnataka kicked off today.

The three-day event will witness cultural and sports competition with 1648 participants from Eklavya Model Residential Schools from across the country. These schools run by Ministry of Tribal Affairs impart quality education to children from Scheduled Tribes in remote areas to provide them opportunities in high and professional educational courses and get employment in various sectors.

On the occasion of National Unity Day, every one present took the Pledge of Unity, recommitting oneself to preserving the unity, integrity and security of the nation. The pledge was followed by inspiring addresses from the dignitaries including Smt Renuka Singh Saruta, Hon'ble Minister of State Ministry of Tribal Affairs Government of India, Sri Kota Shrinivas Poojari, _Hon. Minister for Social Welfare and Backward Class Welfare Department, Government of Karnataka in the august presence of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, global humanitarian and founder of The Art of Living.

"We need to be proud of our state, language, land and water," Gurudev said, "Different regions of our country has specific cultural fabric. Our villages have their own culture, folk lore, literature and wisdom which needs to be preserved alongside modern development." Speaking about Eklavya's story, Gurudev said, "Today, we do not have anyone who can reject you. You are held by both hands and embraced, motivating you to go ahead."

Smt Renuka Singh Saruta, Hon'ble Minister of State Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India cited various success stories of successful tribal women in India's recent history in the field of sports, education, and administration and encouraged students to take inspiration from them, saying today no tribal girl is held back from studying and making progress due to her gender.

"This competition will reflect the diversity in culture of our nation," Smt. Renuka Singh Saruta said, "My suggestion to the children is to keep the spirit of introspection on, ask yourself questions and meditate. This will help you become better decision makers. Have bigger goals in life, a bigger goal will lead to bigger achievements too."

Sri Kota Shrinivas Poojari, Hon. Minister for Social Welfare and Backward Class Welfare Department, Government of Karnataka, spoke about the dreams of Dr. B R Ambedkar to absorb the backward sections of the society into the mainstream. He shared about Eklavya schools, 831 schools have been established in Karnataka itself, each school housing 250 students. "The children brought to these schools do not have to pay anything till they pass out of PUC and degree. Our wish is to train them to become doctors and engineers in future. It is of great happiness to us that 14 students out of these schools have reached the level of IIT and institutions of such level," Sri Poojari said.

He also congratulated Gurudev and The Art of Living for running 982 free schools across the country that provide high quality holistic education to more than 80,000 children from economically weaker sections. Majority of these children being first generation learners.